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Neurology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Myoclonus ?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.

Myoclonus ?

by Bil__0__0, Aug 07, 1998 12:00AM
  
  I Have had tests for "Narcolepsy" and they came be be positive for
  the disorder.  I've had the general fatigue, and sleep attacks for
  years (roughly since I was 18, Im 25 now). And I get treatment for
  the disorder.
  Recently, I'd say within the past year or so, it seems not a night
  passes by me that before I fall asleep my leg, or legs "twitch",
  either a few times. Or once. Sometimes both once or twice. Then
  nothing. It never happens while Im asleep. Since I've been retested
  in the local sleep lab and have had a video taping myself while I
  slept.  And When I asked the Doctor if he noticed this while I slept
  he said no.
  I feel no sudden sensations, or other types of "alerts" or "signs"
  that my leg, or legs will "twitch".  Its just all of the sudden.
  Its like a rapid jerk of one or both of my legs. For a second. Or
  upto a minute or so.  Not in anyway a feeling of a muscle contraction.
  More like I just got a "Electric Shock" for a second.
  A friend mentioned to me, who also like myself has narcolepsy, that
  is sounded like something called "myoclonus".  
  What is this? And could this be possible? And do I visit a regular
  neurologist to address these concerns? Or is there a specialist other
  then a neurologist I would need to see?
  Thankyou in advance,
  bill
=======================================================================
Dear Bill:
It sounds that what you have is called hypnagogic myoclonic jerks, or simply sleep onset jerky movements. These movements are benign, they can occur in any person. They usually do not require treatment unless they are preventing you from sleeping.
Myoclonus, on the other hand may be due to various etiologies, such as epilepsy, spinal cord injury, severe brain injury.
If your symptoms persist, or you desire a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Center, please call 1 800 CCF CARE for an appointment.
Good luck





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